B2 noun Neutral 1 min read

记忆犹新

ji yi you xin /jì yì yóu xīn/
Practice it

The memory of an event is still remarkably clear and fresh, as if it happened very recently.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Memories remain vivid and fresh.
  • Like it just happened yesterday.
  • Emphasizes clarity and lasting impression.

Overview

“记忆犹新”是一个汉语成语，用来形容对往事的回忆非常清晰，仿佛刚刚发生一样。这个成语由“记忆”、“犹”和“新”三个部分组成。“记忆”指记住或记在心里的事；“犹”是好像、如同的意思；“新”则指新鲜、不旧。合在一起，就是说过去的记忆如同新鲜事物一般，没有被时间冲淡。

“记忆犹新”通常用作谓语、定语或状语。作为谓语时，它描述的是某人对某事的记忆状态。作为定语时，它修饰名词，说明某事是“记忆犹新”的。作为状语时，它修饰动词，说明某事是“记忆犹新”地被回忆起来或被讲述。

这个成语常用于描述令人难忘的经历，如第一次旅行、重要的会议、感人的事件、童年趣事、或者一些深刻的教训等。无论是积极的还是消极的经历，只要给人们留下了深刻的印象，都可以用“记忆犹新”来形容。

与“记忆犹新”相似的词语还有“历历在目”、“宛在眼前”、“铭记不忘”等。“历历在目”和“宛在眼前”都侧重于景象的清晰，仿佛就在眼前，强调视觉上的鲜明。“铭记不忘”则更强调将某事牢牢记在心里，不忘记。而“记忆犹新”则更侧重于整体感受的鲜明和新鲜感，不只是视觉，也包括听觉、嗅觉、触觉和情感上的感受。

Examples

1

虽然已经过去二十年了，但当年毕业典礼的情景，我至今记忆犹新。

everyday

Although twenty years have passed, the scene of the graduation ceremony back then remains fresh in my memory.

2

这位老教授在课堂上生动地讲述了那段历史事件，细节之丰富，让在场的学生都感到记忆犹新。

academic

The veteran professor vividly recounted that historical event in class, with such rich details that it left all the students present with a vivid memory.

3

那次惊险的户外探险经历，虽然听起来很吓人，但回想起来，我感觉记忆犹新，充满了刺激。

informal

That thrilling outdoor adventure, though it sounds scary, when I recall it, I feel the memory is still fresh and full of excitement.

4

对于许多经历过那个年代的人来说，当时的社会变迁和生活细节，依然记忆犹新。

formal

For many who lived through that era, the social changes and details of life at that time remain vividly in their memories.

Common Collocations

至今记忆犹新 still remember vividly
感觉记忆犹新 feel the memory is fresh
让他记忆犹新 makes his memory fresh

Common Phrases

往事如在眼前

past events seem to be right before one's eyes

铭刻在心

engraved in one's heart

回味无穷

endless aftertaste

Often Confused With

记忆犹新 vs 历历在目

'历历在目' (lì lì zài mù) emphasizes seeing things clearly as if they are right before your eyes, often with a visual focus. '记忆犹新' (jì yì yóu xīn) is broader, referring to the overall freshness and clarity of the memory, encompassing feelings and senses beyond just sight.

记忆犹新 vs 不堪回首

'不堪回首' (bù kān huí shǒu) means 'too painful/embarrassing to recall', indicating a negative and reluctant memory. '记忆犹新' (jì yì yóu xīn) simply means the memory is fresh, regardless of whether it's pleasant or unpleasant, and implies clarity rather than reluctance.

Grammar Patterns

主语 + 记忆犹新 (Subject + jì yì yóu xīn) （某事/某时）+ 记忆犹新 ([Event/Time] + jì yì yóu xīn) 至今/仍然 + 记忆犹新 (Zhì jīn/Réng rán + jì yì yóu xīn)

How to Use It

Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese when recalling significant past events. It conveys a sense of vividness and the passage of time not having dulled the memory. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is particularly effective in narrative or reflective discourse.

Common Mistakes

Learners might overuse '记忆犹新' for any memory, forgetting it implies a high degree of freshness, almost as if it happened recently. Avoid using it for very old or naturally faded memories where '日久遗忘' (forgotten over time) would be more appropriate.

Tips

💡

Recall Vividly, Feel Fresh

Use '记忆犹新' when you want to express that a past event feels as clear and recent as if it just happened.

⚠️

Avoid Overuse for Faint Memories

Do not use '记忆犹新' for memories that are actually vague or have faded significantly over time. It implies a high degree of freshness.

🌍

Importance of Lasting Impressions

Chinese culture values experiences that leave a lasting impact. '记忆犹新' captures this sentiment of cherishing or being deeply affected by significant past events.

Word Origin

The idiom originates from classical Chinese literature. '犹' means 'still' or 'as if', and '新' means 'new' or 'fresh'. Together, '记忆犹新' literally translates to 'memory is still new', emphasizing the persistence and clarity of recollection.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, remembering significant events and lessons from the past is valued. This idiom reflects the human capacity to hold onto impactful experiences, whether personal or historical, demonstrating the enduring power of memory.

Memory Tip

Think of '犹' (yóu) as 'you' and '新' (xīn) as 'new'. So, the memory is so fresh, it's like 'you' still have it 'new' in your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“记忆犹新”更侧重于整体感受的鲜明和新鲜感，包括各种感官的体验。而“历历在目”则更强调景象的清晰，仿佛就在眼前，多指视觉上的印象。

它可以作为谓语、定语或状语。例如：那次经历至今我仍记忆犹新（谓语）；他讲述了那段记忆犹新的往事（定语）；他记忆犹新地描述了当时的场景（状语）。

不一定。虽然常用于积极的回忆，但任何深刻的经历，无论是快乐的、悲伤的还是痛苦的，只要给人们留下了深刻的印象，都可以用“记忆犹新”来形容。

它表示记忆非常深刻，清晰度高，仿佛不久前发生，时间间隔感很弱。它强调的是记忆的“新”鲜度，而不是记忆本身的长短。

Test Yourself

fill blank

虽然已经是十年前的事了，但那次意外的发生，我至今仍______。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 记忆犹新

“记忆犹新”表示记得非常清楚，符合句意。其他选项如“恍如隔世”指时间过去很久，“不堪回首”指不愿回忆，“云淡风轻”指事情被淡忘或处理得很轻松，都不符合句子的语境。

multiple choice

以下哪个句子正确使用了“记忆犹新”？

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 这次旅行的经历太美好了，至今我仍记忆犹新。

“记忆犹新”用于形容对过去事情的清晰回忆，通常与令人印象深刻的事件相关。选项二描述了一次美好的旅行经历，用“记忆犹新”非常贴切。选项一、三、四的用法不当。

sentence building

请用“记忆犹新”造句，描述一个你忘不了的童年经历。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 我小时候第一次骑自行车的场景，至今记忆犹新。

这个句子清晰地表达了对童年第一次骑自行车的经历，时隔多年仍然记得非常清楚，符合“记忆犹新”的含义和用法。

Score: /3

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